Art through the eyes of a visually impaired artist
Art is for everyone and it cuts through everything. It is an explosion of one’s feelings, opinions, worldviews, desires, and imagination that is beyond every human being. So, one doesn’t have to be born a particular way or have to be a certain way to become an artist. In one way art is an extension of us.
If art is for everyone, what about disabled people? What about the ones who are visually challenged? Yes, they can. Just that in most cases they are completely blind, they have a very narrow range of sight or sight only very close up, etc.
So, can you believe that someone who is visually impaired can paint with the sense of touch? Yes, it’s true.
John Bramblitt is truly one of a kind human being. It’s not every day we see someone as talented as him who makes us see a brighter, colorful world through his vivid imagination and visual magic. Maybe magic does exist just in a different form!
A rather unusual journey
John Bramblitt has been drawing since he was a kid and was a writer. But not until he lost his sight that he actually picked up the paints to work his magic. His loss of sight was due to epilepsy medicine. The ironic thing is everyone wants to create art inspired by what we see around us. But in his case, he started seeing things after he actually stopped seeing things. Confusing right? The point is, it’s not our eyes where are visions are created, it’s the brain. Just because you lost your sight doesn’t mean your brain can’t make the images.
So, similar to dreaming he could also see a real-reel world without actually seeing. Soon he found himself drawn toward those visuals and wanted to put them down on a canvas.
The process of creating the magic
He uses touch to sense the colors. He can identify color with its viscosity and weight of certain paints(oil to be specific) and how they transform as they are mixed together or with water. But this might not work well in the case of watercolors. So, instead, he uses braille code to create what he sees in his heart.
The fact that he cannot see doesn’t restrict his imagination or creativity. Astonishing it rather helps him bring the art to life in an almost surreal realistic way. Because he sees with the soul and feels with his hands and most importantly has a deep emotional connection with his images. Simply put, he is a master sculptor of canvas who turns everything he touches(paint) into gold (or rather mystical).
Contribution to the world of art
He has worked with internationally acclaimed museums like the Guggenheim and the Metropolitan Museum of Art to run free workshops that teach people no matter their ability or disability to see the world as he does and paint using their senses and imagination. He also works as a museum consultant in developing programs designed to be more inclusive. Not only that he visits schools, museums, universities, and children’s hospitals to run free workshops and exhibitions too.
Most times we underestimate people with disabilities. But they are the most incredible superhuman and their works just transport us and makes us feel things that we felt never before. Magic in its true sense.
No where in this world can we find some like John Bramblitt who captures what a person “feels”. Thus his works are not just to see but to feel.
Art beyond boundaries
More than magic, art is a healthy way to express oneself be it depression, anger, anxiety and other mental health issues. And a best medium of communication when we are in pain and want to reach out. Even when John lost his sight, he too was initially depressed and angry. So, he used his paintings as a way to reach out to the world. Let’s break out of the stereotypical black and white image of a blind person, start with a fresh canvas and increase awareness by building conversations and draw a brighter picture that symbolizes diversity.
The next time you come across a visually impaired person, let’s not throw them a “You don’t look blind”, “You don’t look disabled” kind of statements. Because stating that they don’t look certain way might make them feel anxious, conflicted, not to mention that is plain insensitive. Here is a blog myblurredworld.com by Elin Williams, who is a vision impaired person herself, addresses the stigma and prejudices faced by a blind person in a heartfelt note that will open your eyes to finally realize who has been truly blind until now.
To know more about John Bramblitt’s amazing works, follow him on Instagram or visit his website.
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